Scaling Up HIV Treatment for Pregnant Women: Components of a Midwifery Model of Care as Identified by Midwives in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Author: Dohrn, Jennifer

Source: Clinical Scholars Review, Volume 1, Number 1, 2008 , pp. 50-54(5)

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

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Abstract:

With escalating numbers of pregnant women infected with HIV in South Africa, an assessment was conducted in a district in the Eastern Cape to evaluate midwifery interventions. A series of interviews and observations at primary health care centers identified major issues for midwives, with prioritizing HIV testing as central to antenatal care; fast-tracking eligible HIV-positive pregnant women into comprehensive care with antiretroviral treatment; testing pregnant women with unknown HIV status in labor; and promoting early postpartum care. An emerging model of midwifery care promotes integration of HIV testing and services as a priority at each step in the reproductive cycle for women's care.

Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA; MIDWIVES; PREGNANCY; HIV/AIDS; MIDWIFERY MODELS

Document Type: Case report

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1939-2095.1.1.50

Publication date: 2008-06-01

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